Investors seem to be keener than ever to look further a field, with Bulgaria the country of choice for those looking for something affordable and a little different.

Bulgaria is a beautiful country, with a breathtaking array of landscapes, full of reminders of its long and involved history. It is a safe country and there is plenty to see and do at very reasonable prices.

For people looking to invest in residential property, Bulgaria currently offers a number of popular regions and house and apartment prices remain extraordinarily low. It is a fact that has drawn many to the country looking for a second home purely for holiday purposes, but it has also attracted part-time and professional investors looking for capital appreciation in the coming years.

EU accession from January 2007 will undoubtedly instigate a rise in house prices in line with a strengthening economy and better relations with a number of other European countries.

This has led thousands of investors to take the plunge and buy properties in anticipation of the event.

While France and Spain will always attract interest from Brits looking to expand their property portfolios, the lure of a more adventurous option is clearly a trend that is capturing the imagination of an increasing number.


Basic facts about Bulgaria

• Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007
• The Black Sea airports are about 3 hours flight from Britain
• Bulgaria has recently joined NATO
• The currency is stable and linked to the Euro
• Sustained GDP growth of 4.7-4.9% per year
• The Black Sea coast boasts 220km of sandy beaches
• The Black Sea coast has over 1700 hours of sunshine from May to October
• The diverse geography and climate allows both ski and beach resorts
• Well developed and constantly improving summer resorts
• Excellent skiing opportunities with guaranteed winter snowfall
• The general cost of living is one of the cheapest in Europe
• 22% average annual growth of tourist arrivals for 2002-2004
• All major British tour operators will be on the Black Sea coast this year
• Property prices are currently some of cheapest in Europe and last year rose by over 30%

Key points

Bulgaria joined the European Union on January 1st 2007, and more foreign investment will be being poured into the country.
- Only 2.5 hours flying time from UK with many budget airlines
- Property prices are currently some of the cheapest in Europe and rose by over 30 last year


Location

Located in South Eastern Europe, Bulgaria is bordered by Greece and Turkey to the South, Romania to the North and Macedonia and Serbia to the West. Its Eastern Border is formed by the beautiful Black Sea Coast. A country of outstanding natural beauty the environment remains unspoilt and is incredibly varied.

Forming the heart of several of ancient histories greatest civilizations Bulgaria's rich culture is reflected in a vast number of architectural treasures. Only Greece and Italy have a greater number of historical monuments. Throughout the country you will find ancient Greek sites, Roman amphitheatres and Byzantine churches. The country is home to 160 monasteries, 36 cultural centres and 40,000 listed archaeological monuments. Seven sites have achieved a coveted place on the UNESCO world heritage list including the stunning Old Town of Nessebur.


Cost of living in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is said to have one of the lowest costs of living in Europe. A wonderful meal for 2 including wine will rarely exceed around £10.


Quality of life

First time visitors to Bulgaria are surprised by its diversity and its stunning natural beauty. For years a real effort has been made to preserve the country's rich and unspoilt flora and fauna. As a result, Bulgaria is ecologically one of the purest countries in Europe, with exceptionally clear air and water resources. There are 7 national parks, more than 3000 protected natural sites and 17 bio-spherical reserves (the greatest recorded number in Europe). There are also 419 protected animal species and 63 protected types of plant.

Not only is the quality of life in Bulgaria good, but the cost of living is one of the lowest in Europe. A meal for two, made from locally grown and organically pure products and including a bottle of nice wine will rarely cost you more than six or so pounds. A quality beer will cost 40 pence!


The Black Sea Coast

The 380 kilometres of beaches are amongst some of Europe's cleanest and safest. Many of them have been awarded prestigious "Blue Flag" status. The region enjoys average summer temperatures of between 25-30 degrees. The season extends from April to October. The low cost of living makes it easy to see why the Black Sea Coast provides an ideal summer destination - and is surprisingly easy to access from an ever-increasing number of European Airports.

Even though the Black Sea Coast is an established tourist area, with resorts such as Sunny Beach attracting tourists since the late 1950's, it has recently become one of the fastest growing summer tourist destinations in Europe. So fast growing in fact that last year demands for tourist beds outstripped supply by 20%.

Bulgaria is said to be the fastest growing holiday destination with at least 200,000 Britons likely to visit the summer resorts this year - nearly double last year's total. Next year three new major UK tour operators will also be offering summer holidays in Bulgaria.


The Bulgarian Ski Resorts

Bansko is considered by many to be Bulgaria's number one ski resort and a wonderful thriving medieval town in its own right. It has the most modern ski facilities in the country and is a well-established destination for winter sport enthusiasts from all around the world. The town of Bansko is situated at 160 km south from Sofia, where the International Airport is. Transfer time from Sofia to Bansko is 2 hours.

Bansko has developed into a favourite ski and snowboard destination, but also boasts unique architecture, has many historically significant sites nearby, as well as beautiful scenery and countryside for miles around. With more than 50 km ski runs equipped and support by the best facilities Bansko welcomes more than 450 000 people each year and it managed to combine the latest technological developments of the best ski resort with the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Bulgarian village.

During the last years, Bansko managed to gain an incredible popularity and became the country's leading resort. It has been approved as the top investment destination! More and more funds have been budgeted and released regarding the resort's infrastructure including new lifts and snow making machines. Offering a true alternative to the Alps, this charming little town will impress any skier who appreciates well-groomed slopes with modern infrastructure in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings.

Approximately EUR 40 M have been invested over the last 2 years in Bansko. The winter resort Bansko remains the subject of significant investor interest on behalf of construction companies. The combined apartment inventory of these developments is expected to reach 6,000 by the end of '06.


Bulgarian Cuisine

Bulgaria's foremost strengths is the abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables and the delicious varied cuisine. It is without doubt the reliance on fresh local produce that ensures Bulgarian meals retain a character and flavour, which has been lost in many of Europeans fast food societies. Salads are a particular delight, and the traditional 'Shopska' salad is a must during any stay in the country.

There are many traditional Bulgarian dishes that have an unmistakable Greek or Turkish influence. However, Bulgarian cooking still has strong regional characteristics with many dishes being traditional and more prominent in particular areas of the country.

Fish plays an important part of the diet in both the coastal and the mountainous areas. The numerous, excellent fish restaurants of the ancient town of Nessebar offer a particularly delightful opportunity to sample the Black Sea's gifts.

The general cost of living remains a fraction of that of many other European countries, even in the tourist hotspots. A typical three course meal will generally cost no more than £10 each in holiday resorts with a cost of nearer £5 in more rural regions. The two main beers in the country are 'Kamnetiza' and 'Zagorka', whilst the red wine is justifiably famous. The red wine enthusiast should certainly take the time to try a bottle of reasonably priced 'Tcherga' or slightly more expensive 'Uniquato' on any visit to the country.